Guest Speaker at the Anglo-Thai Society in London in 2023
As a long-term expat in Thailand, I had no idea that I could continue and even develop my links with Thailand from overseas until I was invited to be a guest speaker at the Anglo-Thai Society in London in 2023.
We promptly joined the society and recently took the opportunity to attend two December events in wonderful London locations. We are grateful to have found the Anglo-Thai Society as a way of continuing our connections with Thailand whilst in the UK.
We loved meeting others with a shared enthusiasm for Thailand and we enjoyed the insightful conversations and cultural richness of their events.
Anglo-Thai Society Christmas Lunch
Venue: Nipa Thai Restaurant, Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Forty eight members, including H.E. Ambassador of Thailand Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, gathered to enjoy a Christmas lunch, Thai style at Nipa Restaurant.
Located inside the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Nipa Thai is hailed as the most authentic Thai cuisine in London. No pressure then, looking at the Anglo-Thai guest list who certainly knows a good and authentic Thai meal. The festive occasion featured Thai wine, courtesy of long-term supporter Monsoon Valley Wine UK.
Nipa Thai restaurant has a beautiful teak interior sourced from Thailand. We seriously could have been there, apart from the chilly grey day outside! No one noticed as inside all was light and laughter – Nipa means shining light in Thai and is aptly named.
Steve Buckley, Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, provided a warm welcome to all attendees, some joining for their first time, together with insights into past and upcoming events. The raffle, supported by various generous contributors, including EVA Air, benefited two Thai charities, Safe Child Thailand and Soi Dog Foundation.
6th Joint ASEAN Societies Reception
Venue: Mountbatten Room, The Royal Automobile Club London
Organised by: British Malaysian Society
The second invitation was to attend as an Anglo-Thai Society member the Joint ASEAN Societies Reception. This annual reception celebrates UK-ASEAN connections, covering trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural ties. We found it a fabulous way to stay updated on regional developments and to meet distinguished guests and members from participating societies.
Keynote speeches by:
- H..E Ambassador of Lao PDR
- H.E. Ambassador of Indonesia
- UK-ASEAN Business Council
The reception was graced by His Excellency, Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi.
I found the Question and Answer sessions with the keynote speakers to be most interesting. Two comments from the audience stood out. One was the view that perhaps the rest of the world could learn from the pragmatic and respectful approach found among ASEAN countries to their cultural, economic, and political differences. The second was the agreement for more women to be represented on the Joint ASEAN Societies stage.
The reception concluded with a Lao cultural dance performance showcasing their upcoming Chair of ASEAN in 2024.
The Anglo-Thai Society
The Anglo-Thai Society was founded in 1962 to foster and celebrate the close and friendly relations that have existed between the UK and Thailand for 150 years.
New Members very welcome: secretary@
Jenny Littlewood is a feature writer for Expat Life in Thailand, she specialises in hotel and resort stays across the globe with a particular emphasis on Thailand. More can be found on IG @littlewanderingwren and at www.littlewanderingwren.com
